Faith Talk Fall 2013

INTRODUCING

TRAIL LIFE USA

New Christ centered alternative to the Boy Scouts of America Page 18

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Why Experience a trip to the HOLY LAND? Page 22

With Smart Phone

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So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God Romans 10:17 (KJV) Over the past months, I’ve prayed and contemplated about what our core message is at WTBN and how we communicate that to you, our audience, to support and uplift you and expand the Kingdom of God. Each time I was pulled to one word - FAITH…. ‘So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.’ WTBN 570 & 910 has been known as ‘Tampa Bay’s Christian Talk’ for many years. But what we really do is point you toward a new faith, to experience a deeper faith, and to a desire to live your faith in God through what you hear each moment of the day through our inspirational pastors, teachers and hosts.

Jesus says in Matthew 17:20 that

faith even as small as a mustard seed can move mountains and that with faith nothing is impossible.

We at WTBN want to remind you of that and put an even greater focus on FAITH. That led us to recently rebrand WTBN as FaithTalk 570 & 910 and create the web address of LetsTalkFaith.com. I invite you to listen and call in, send emails, or connect through Facebook and Twitter to our wonderfully engaging hosts to talk about your faith, ask questions, and explore our faith-building online resources.

Another way that we want to help deepen your faith is through a trip to where it all began…a trip to the Holy Land. There is no clearer

way to experience the truths and stories of the Bible than to walk where Jesus walked. I invite you to read details on page 25 and join us on our trip to Israel October 1726, 2014. You’ll never be the same again.

Thank you for being faithful to the work we do for you and I pray God’s blessing on you daily.

In His Grace,

BARBARA J. YODER GENERAL MANAGER Tampa Bay’s Christian Talk WTBN AM 570 & 910 Tel. (813) 639-1903 barb@salemtampa.com FA L L 2 0 1 3

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Our 35+ year legacy at Salem Communications, involves helping the local church develop and launch their messages beyond the four walls of the church— to a world that desperately needs the gospel. With Salem, you will be joining a community of top-notch, nationally recognized Christian broadcasters.

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3:43 PM

www.letstalkfaith.com www.salemtampa.com www.salem.cc

General Manager BARBARA YODER barb@salemtampa.com

Traffic Coordinator CINDY SHEFFER cindy@salemtampa.com

Marketing/Promotions Director DENISE SHREAVES dshreaves@salemtampa.com

Production Director/Morning Host BILL CARL bcarl@salemtampa.com

Executive Sales Director MERRY BROCKET merryb@salemtampa.com

The Bill Bunkley Show Host BILL BUNKLEY afternoons@letstalkfaith.com

Operations Manager JOE WEAVER jweaver@salemtampa.com

The Bill Bunkley Show Producer/ On-Air Studio Engineer HORACE ANDREWS afternoons@letstalkfaith.com

Business/Traffic Director KIMO GRAY kimo@salemtampa.com Office Manager/Human Resources TAMMY BANCROFT tammyb@salemtampa.com

ZULIMAR RODRIGUEZ zuli@salemtampa.com

Station Manager (Radio Luz) ALEJANDRO ACEVEDO alejandro@salemtampa.com Account Executive (Sarasota) RACHEL KNIPFER rachelsarasota@salemtampa.com Account Executive Andrew Finder andrewf@salemtampa.com Account Executive Jenn Zeinner jenniferz@salemtampa.com Account Executive (Radio Luz) RENE DE LA ROSA rened@salemtampa.com Ministry Relations (Radio Luz) Pastor Antonio Massi pastormassi@salemtampa.com Sales Assistant LAURA DIEZ laurad@salemtampa.com

The Home Team Host & Sales PAUL PORTER paul@salemtampa.com Chief Engineer ROBERT HAILEY robert.hailey@salemtampa.com On-Air Studio Engineer/Operations Asst. Mgr. JORDAN ENGLISH jenglish@salemtampa.com On-Air Studio Engineer (Radio Luz) JOSE CRUZ josec@salemtampa.com On-Air Studio Engineer Christian Ganley christiang@salemtampa.com On-Air Studio Engineer REYNALDO DEL VALLE reynaldod@salemtampa.com Promotions Coordinator/On-Air Host CASEY MYRICK cmyrick@salemtampa.com Web/Graphic Project Coordinator ZULIMAR RODRIGUEZ zuli@salemtampa.com

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18 Inaugural Convention for Trail Life USA 8 11 12 22 26 28 32

MARRIAGE

When Making a Point Isn’t Worth It Faith Talk 570 & 910 WTBN Program Highlights Faith Talk 570 & 910 WTBN Programming Schedule EXPLORING BIBLICAL ROOTS:

Experience Israel... Bringing the Bible to Life

Commentary from Bill Bunkley and Pastor Elbert Nasworthy SPIRITUAL

The Power of Forgiveness

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FINANCES

4 Financial Issues to Consider

When Searching for a Spouse CAREER

Seeing God in Your Work

On the Cover: Bill Bunkley (far left) with boys from Trail Life USA and girls from American Heritage Girls. Photography by: Andrew Finder.

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Marriage

When Making

A POINT

Isn’t Worth It

By Dr. David B. Hawkins, The Marriage Recovery Center

It was so subtle I hardly noticed it.

Karen, a twenty-seven year old woman, mother of three, sat passively before me while her husband, Ron, also twenty-seven, spoke to her. Thin and appearing depressed, she and her husband had come to see me for their marriage crisis.

Actually, he wasn’t really speaking to her—he was lecturing her, making a point. Ever so gradually his tone has become harsher, he was leaning toward her and began pointing a finger at her.

I was so caught up in his words that I didn’t notice his intrusive, invasive stance. She did.

“I don’t like the way you’re talking to me,” she said. “You sound like an attorney.”

Ron was taken off guard, and without a hitch, he continued making his point.

“I just want you to understand me,” he insisted.

She was not distracted from her position.

“But, I don’t like the way you’re talking to me,” she continued.

“Please move back and lower your voice or I’m going to end this conversation.”

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Both Ron and myself were somewhat startled. I had actually coached Karen on caring for her ‘personal bubble’ and now she was doing it. She had become aware of his ‘parental tone and stance’ and shared her discomfort with him.

Lacking self-awareness, Ron didn’t seem able to process this new information. Though he had been counseled previously about the importance of maintaining a respectful posture, tone and demeanor, he seemed caught up in the point he wanted to make.

“Ron,” I said firmly. “Karen is asking that you slow down, lower your voice and take note of how you are talking to her. This is a pattern in your relationship and really needs to change if you two are going to make a healthy connection to each other.”

Karen nodded her head, confirming that she wanted Ron to pay closer attention to his style of communication, while simultaneously she would work on letting him know sooner when she felt uncomfortable, setting healthier boundaries and limits on any dysfunctional communication occurring.

Scripture confirms this counsel.

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29) Ron continued to struggle to see how ‘making a point’ could be harmful, and it took additional counsel to help him see that when we strive to ‘make a point,’ we often prick our mate. Our insistence, intensity, even pushiness, are felt by our mate so that they are unable to continue to listen to us. When threatened, our defenses go up and we are unable to stay connected to our mate. Communication stops.

Here are some additional suggestions as you strive to stay connected in a healthy way to your mate: First, when we slip into ‘making a point,’ we are injuring our mate.

While the injury may be slight, it

is often enough to put our mate on edge. Persistence at ‘making a point’ will not work—our mate will shut down, push away, push back or pull inward. Any of those actions create disconnection and you will not be heard.

Second, watch your mate carefully for the connection. With practice you will notice when your mate pushes away. You will notice when they become defensive, a sure sign that a slight injury is occurring. Take note of this break in the connection and allow the feedback to change your communication style.

Third, ask for feedback. Ask your mate if you are presenting your information in a respectful, gentle manner. Ask “Are you still with me?” Listen carefully to the

feedback they give to you. Watch carefully for shifting into a posture where you become insistent and intrusive, and ask your mate to give you feedback when you do.

Fourth, practice the opposite. If your natural style is to be insistent and intrusive, practice doing the opposite. Lean back. Listen. Fully incorporate what your mate is saying before sharing your point of view. Encourage your mate to share, asking gently probing questions.

Finally, notice the emotional dance together. Agree that together you will take special note of the ‘push/ pull’ that goes on between you. Pay special notice to the connection, paying special attention to each other’s body posture, tone and comfort level.

Please take special note of our special offer to download our FREE eBook, A Love Life of Your Dreams, found on our website. This is an interactive eBook for you and your mate to work through together. Also read more about The Marriage Recovery Center on our website www.MarriageRecoveryCenter. com and YourRelationshipDoctor. com. You’ll find videos and podcasts on sexual addiction, emotionally destructive marriages, codependency and affair-proofing your marriage. ■ Scan this QR Code with your smart phone to see the original article

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PAL 2014

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WTBN MORNINGS WITH BILL CARL 5:30 - 10 AM WEEKDAYS 12:00 am Hope in the Night with June Hunt 2:00 am Jay Sekulow Live 2:30 am Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, Juli Slattery, & John Fuller 3:00 am Verse by Verse with Pastor Steve Kreloff 3:30 am In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley 4:00 am Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef 4:30 am Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah 5:00 am Family Life Today with Dennis Rainey 5:30 am Joni and Friends with Joni Eareckson Tada 5:45 am Just Thinking with Ravi Zacharias 6:00 am Verse By Verse with Steve Kreloff 6:30 am Grace To You with John MacArthur 7:00 am Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, Juli Slattery & John Fuller 7:30 am Pathway to Victory with Dr. Robert Jeffress 8:00 am Moving Forward with Dr. Stephen Rummage 8:30 am Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah 9:00 am Someone Loves You with Raul Ries 9:30 am Renewing Your Mind with Dr. R.C. Sproul

WTBN MID-DAYS WITH CASEY BELL 10:00 am 10:30 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 12:30 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm

2:30 pm 3:00 pm

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WTBN WEEKDAY EVENINGS

Bibleline with Pastor Ralph “Yankee” Arnold 4:00 pm Hope For The Heart with June Hunt 6:00 pm In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley 6:30 pm Leading The Way with

Dr. Michael Youssef 7:00 pm Jay Sekulow Live Faith In Practice with Dr. A.R. Bernard 7:30 pm Friendship with God with Tom Cantor 8:00 pm Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah 8:30 pm In God’s Grace with Pastor 9:00 pm Elbert Nasworthy 9:30 pm Watchman on the Wall with Noah Hutchings 10:00 pm Line of Fire with Dr. Michael Brown 10:30 pm 11:00 pm 11:30 pm

F a i t h Tal k 5 7 0 & 9 1 0 W T B N

The Bill Bunkley Show Verse by Verse with Pastor Steve Kreloff Golden Rules for Financial Freedom with Myron Golden Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, Juli Slattery, & John Fuller Adventures in Odyssey with Whit & the Gang Bibleline with Ralph “Yankee” Arnold Family Talk with Dr. James Dobson In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley Pathway to Victory with Dr. Robert Jeffress Moving Forward with Dr. Stephen Rummage Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef Renewing Your Mind with Dr. R.C. Sproul Grace To You with John MacArthur

The Faith Talk 570 & 910 WTBN Program Schedule is subject to change at any time. Please visit www.letstalkfaith.com for our most up-to-date programming information.

WTBN SATURDAYS 12:00 am 2:00 am 2:30 am 3:00 am 3:30 am 4:00 am 4:30 am 5:00 am 5:30 am 7:00 am 7:30 am 8:00 am 9:30 am 10:00 am 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 4:30 pm 5:00 pm 6:00 pm 9:00 pm 11:00 pm

Hope in the Night with June Hunt Jay Sekulow Weekend Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, Juli Slattery, and John Fuller Verse by Verse with Pastor Steve Kreloff In Touch Weekend Edition with Dr. Charles Stanley Leading the Way with Dr. Michael Youssef Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah Paws & Tales Grace to You with John MacArthur Renewing Your Mind Weekend Edition with Dr. R.C. Sproul Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah Ask An Attorney with Joseph Pippen Jene’s Tropicals with Jene Van Butsel Get Real with Marci with Marci Slater Exciting Central Tampa Baptist Church with Pastor Jeffrey Singletary Love First Christian Center with Dr. Jomo Cousins Jay Sekulow Weekend The Universe Next Door with Dr. Tom Woodward Higher Praise with Pastor Stephen Nunn Baldwin McCullough Live with Kevin McCullough and Steven Baldwin Steve Brown Etc.

WTBN SUNDAYS 12:00 am 1:00 am 2:00 am 2:30 am 3:00 am 3.30 am 4:00 am 4:30 am 5:00 am 6:00 am 7:00 am 7:30 am 8:00 am 8:30 am 9:00 am 9:30 am 10:00 am 10:30 am 11:00 am

In Touch Weekend Focus on the Family Weekend Jay Sekulow Replay Moving Foward Verse By Verse In Touch Leading the Way Turning Point Weekend The Bill Bunkley Show Weekend Townhall Weekend Journal with Hugh Hewitt Family Life This Week with Dennis Rainey Verse by Verse with Pastor Steve Kreloff In God’s Grace with Pastor Elbert Nasworthy Road to Reality/Gospel For Asia with K.P. Yohannan Heart of Messiah with Rabbi Steve Weiler Moving Forward with Dr. Stephen Rummage Bibleline with Pastor Ralph “Yankee” Arnold Grace To You Weekend with John MacArthur The Christian Outlook with Janet Mefferd

12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 5:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm 8:00 pm 9:00 pm 10:00 pm 11:00 pm

Focus on the Family Weekend Ministry Spotlight with Bill Carl The World and Everything In It with Nick Eicher and Joseph Slife Best of Ask An Attorney with Attorney Joe Pippen Leading the Way Weekend with Dr. Michael Youssef Exciting Central Tampa Baptist Church with Pastor Jeffrey Singletary Watchman on the Wall with Noah Hutchings In Touch Weekend with Dr. Charles Stanley Bill Bunkley Weekend Townhall Weekend Journal The Christian Outlook

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“Doing The Most Good.”

In these four words, the promise of The Salvation Army – to feed, to clothe, to comfort, to care, to rebuild broken homes and broken lives. By walking with the addicted, The Salvation Army can lead them to recovery. In fighting hunger and poverty, The Salvation Army can feed and nurture the spirit. And, in living and sharing the Christian Gospel by meeting tangible needs, The Salvation Army gives our community a lasting display of the love behind their beliefs...

We’ve all heard of The Salvation Army, but are we really aware of everything they’re doing right here in the Tampa Bay community? Below are just some of the programs the Army provides locally. We think you’ll be just as surprised as we were.

Children’s Shelter

In St. Petersburg, The Salvation Army’s Children’s Village consists of four homes that serve six children ranging in age from birth to 18 years.

Children’s Village provides stable, long-term housing and care for Transitional Housing large, hard-to-place sibling groups who have been removed from their Families trying to overcome poverty families. When families cannot be face many challenges, including lack reunited because the risk of neglect of education and job skills, inadequate or abuse is too great or adoption housing and limited social support. planning has been unsuccessful, The Having a real home with an address Salvation Army provides a home, is not only the first step toward a neighborhood and a community employment and independence, it’s these youngsters can call their own— also an important step toward self- and the security of knowing they can live safely in the Village throughout respect and mental well-being.

Transitional housing helps people their childhood. stabilize their lives, make permanent living arrangements and reach selfSchool of Music sufficiency. The Salvation Army’s transitional housing programs in The Salvation Army Clearwater Tampa not only provide temporary School of Music started with a bang in housing and support services for the fall of 2011 and continues hitting homeless men, women, and women the right beat as it teaches children, with children for up to two years but elementary through high school also work closely with the Veterans age, the principles and pleasure of Administration to provide housing music. The Salvation Army provides and training for homeless veterans. dinner, instruments and instruction In Clearwater, the Army provides at no charge to kids who might not long-term housing for individuals otherwise receive the benefit of and families for up to a year. Their musical education. The training and 25 one-, two- and three-bedroom attention these young musicians apartments provide a safe and secure receive prepares them for future home while our neighbors in need get success. back on their feet through counseling and life-skills classes.

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Adult Rehabilitation Centers In the Tampa Bay area two Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARCs) offer six-month, in-residence drug and alcohol rehabilitation. The ARCs provide men who have lost the ability to cope with their problems with spiritual, social and emotional assistance. The ARCs offer work therapy, leisure time activities, group and individual counseling, spiritual direction and other resources to develop life skills and a personal relationship with God all in a clean and sober environment. The spiritual care that program participants receive prepares them to re-enter society and return to gainful employment. Many are also able to reunite with their families.

Family Stores Proceeds from the 13 area Salvation Army Family Stores fund the Adult Rehabilitation Centers in St. Petersburg and Tampa. More than 3,000 tax-free items are added daily to each store, including clothing and shoes for the entire family, furniture for every room in the house, computers and electronics, artwork, sporting goods, books, home accessories and much more.

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WHOSE LIFE WILL YOUR DONATION TRANSFORM?

control. And by changing lives for the better.

In the Tampa Bay community and around the world, at Christmastime and every day of the year, The Salvation Army pledges to do the most good with your contributions.

Thanks to your donations, The Salvation Army is making a difference. By offering at-risk children a chance at a better life. By rebuilding homes and hope when disaster strikes. By helping those in the grip of addiction reclaim DISASTER RELIEF

EMERGENCY RELIEF

HOUSING

COUNSELING

REHABILITATION

YOUTH SERVICES

SOCIAL WORK

DOING THE MOST GOOD

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3 Ways YOU Can Help

the joy of giving back This Christmas season join others Donate to the Family Stores; it’s 1 Discover 3 easy. The Salvation Army will to your community by becoming 2 like WGUL 860 AM Radio Talk

a Salvation Army volunteer today.

Volunteers are critical partners-another set of helping hands, another voice of comfort, another heart pouring out compassion.

Visit www.salvationarmytampabay.org for details.

Host Mike Gallagher and Bill Bunkley from Faith Talk 570 & 910 WTBN and put money in the Red Kettles. With the funds raised in online Red Kettles or in front of a store, The Salvation Army provides clothing, shelter, financial assistance and counseling every day of the year for individuals and families in Tampa Bay.

pick up tax-deductible donations of clothing, furniture, electronics and household items. You can schedule a free pick-up online or call 1-800-SATRUCK (1-800-728-7825). The Army also accepts car donations and has public auto auctions in St. Petersburg and Tampa several times a year.■

In the last 120 years,

The Salvation Army has had life-changing impact in this community. Across Tampa Bay in 2012 alone: • More than 400 men graduated from our drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.

• More than 9,000 people were visited in hospitals, nursing homes and elderly residential homes.

• Emergency assistance, such as rent and utility payments, was given to hundreds of hardworking families.

• Approximately 261,000 nights of shelter were provided for men, women and children.

• More than 872,000 meals were served to men, women and children.

• More than 61,000 Angel Tree gifts and toys were distributed to thousands of Tampa Bay children living in poverty.

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L E A D ER S HI P

Bill Bunkley Hosts Nashville Kickoff of New Christ centered alternative to the Boy Scouts of America comes to life

By Bill Bunkley In May of this year the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) made a critical decision to reverse its long standing policy of keeping its scouting kids free from the entanglements of politics and sex.

Just months before the May vote, the BSA had publically announced that they were reaffirming their committed to what I would refer to traditional Judeo Christian moral standards for membership.

Essentially in the BSA reversed themselves, going from a “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy on homosexual membership standards to affirming the lifestyle in the open among its ranks. The measure didn’t go all the way to allow for open homosexual adult leadership but many BSA observers and legal experts have weighed in that homosexual leadership will probably not be that far down the road.

The BSA decision of course presented an immediate issue with

many evangelical churches who serve as both sponsors and meeting places for the majority of the nation’s packs and troops. Many of these churches are doctrinally opposed to homosexuality, adultery and sex outside and before marriage.

Sponsoring any organization on their campuses that embrace or endorse any of these activities is forcing many to end their chartering partnership with the BSA. This is where Trail Life USA entered the national stage.

John Stemberger who is President of the Florida Family Policy Council led the battle against the BSA change with his campaign On My Honor.net. After that defeat, in astonishing time he put together a volunteer leadership team of experienced Christian scouters who are developing the new socially conservative alternative to the BSA. The program is reportedly set to function around a structure

Bill Bunkley is the President of the Florida Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission and a familiar voice throughout Florida. A native of Tampa, Bill brings his experience to today’s current spiritual, political, and cultural issues. Tune in to The Bill Bunkley Show weekdays from 4-6 pm on Faith Talk 570 & 910 WTBN. His commentary “Something to Think About” can also be heard daily on Talk Radio 860 AM WGUL, WLSS 930 AM News Talk and Faith Talk 570 & 910 WTBN. 18

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that parallels that of the Boy Scouts, but with a focus on both “sexual purity” and adherence to “a standard statement of Christian values.” Trail Life USA will also allegedly incorporate values and beliefs of the American Heritage Girls, a Christian-based Girl Scout Alternative formed over a decade ago.

In just over three months from the controversial BSA vote, Trail Life USA was unveiled at its September debut in Nashville, TN. What’s impressive is that the Trail Life USA development team has been laser focused and well on target with the herculean task to roll out the new program by January 1, 2014.

I was very honored to serve as master of ceremonies for the Friday night kickoff of Trail Life USA’s first annual convention in Nashville. As an Eagle Scout and former member of the Southern Regional Board of the BSA, this is a new chapter in Scan this QR Code with your smart phone to connect to Bill Bunkley’s Blog Page

Mike Huckabee Former Governor of Arkansas

my life that I am very excited about, especially when I think about sharing the upcoming experiences with my 7 year old son Zach.

You knew it was going to be special evening when a sold out crowd of 1200 plus from all across America including Alaska and Hawaii began the evening by singing the hymn “In Christ Alone”. I assure you I’ve never attended a BSA event that began with a praise and worship time for Christ. And with song Trail Life USA came to life.

Today Trail Life USA is taking shape.

A recent conversation with my friend, colleague and Trail Life USA Board Chairman John Stemberger summed it up best: “Our vision will be to become the premier national character development organization for young men which produces godly ) ight and responsible husbands, fathers, y (R nkle u B l il ith B and citizens. Parents are ft) w e (Le n i l going love the new outdoor Clint C adventure program, and we are very excited to be part of this In my opening remarks I noted next chapter in the history of that we had all gathered In Nashville Scouting in America.” to first honor the great legacy of the Take a moment to learn more Boy Scouts of America, but were about the new program and then going to answer a call in a new curriculum at TrailLifeUSA.org. direction.

And if you want to learn more Prior to Friday night the new about starting a Trail Life USA name and logo had not been unit at you church we have local announced. Everyone in the room representatives ready to help you knew we were going to unveil both get started. ■ that evening. I must admit I and others who spoke that night had great fun in teasing the audience by asking if they were ready hear the new name, only to announce that they had to wait a bit longer.

Joining me onstage for the official announcement was Clint Cline who is the founder of the Plant City based Design 4 Marketing Communications. Clint has been a personal friend for decades and is one of the most gifted multi media experts in all America. He has designed hundreds of Pro Life, Pro Family campaigns you may have seen across the country.

Clint oversaw the many focus groups of divergent kids and adults that collectively gave impute to the board of directors who made the final selections. The new logo demonstrates Clint’s thoughtful creativity.

John Stemberger of Trail Life USA and Patti Garibay, founder of American Heritage Girls

Photo credit: Nyk + Cali Photography

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JOiN uS aS wE

The Ethiopian Exodus

As part of our ongoing Israel@65 celebration, hear Micha Feldmann, known to most Ethiopian Israelis as Abba Micha, talk about his intimate involvement in the immigration of thousands of Ethiopian Jews out of treacherous conditions into the promised land, Israel.

Arthur and Beatrice Michaels Cultural and Activity Center (located on the Federation Campus) 582 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232

Sunday, Nov 24th 4-6pm FREE

SponSorEd By

dr. robert & Simone Knego www.jfedsrq.org/events.aspx

Disco @ the hangar

12.31.13 NYE

Flight Source Studio @ SRQ Airport

Featuring Israeli DJ Oren Nizri

For tickets www.jfedsrq.org/SilentDisco.aspx

SpONSOr OppOrtuNitiES availablE 941.343.2109

Silent

Israel In a changIng MIddle east Featuring Dr. Mordechai Kedar February 3rd, 2014 - 7–9pm

Ringling College of Art and Design, Academic Center Auditorium Dr. Kedar, the Director of the Center for the Study of the Middle East and Islam (under formation), a research associate of the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies and a lecturer in the Department of Arabic at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, is one of Israel’s leading figures in understanding the Arab world. He is the Middle East analyst for the daily newspaper Makor Rishon, as well as other publications and is a frequent guest in the Israeli, Arab and international media.

Doors open at 6:30 pm • Event is FREE - rSvp required, limited seating

www.jfedsrq.org/events.aspx

Community EvEnts opEn to pEoplE

Celebrate the state of israel

Faith to Faith Christians AND Jews Working Together For Israel

Tuesday, February 18th, 2014 - 7-9pm Church of Hope

1560 Wendell Kent Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240 Please join us for a panel discussion about Christians and Jews working together for Israel. We both have such strong ties to the land and her people. Let’s break down religious barriers and come together on common ground: our love for Israel.

Hear the experiences of internationally known leaders in interfaith work and leave the evening with specific knowledge about how to be the best advocate for Israel.

FREE Event: Suggested donation $10 at the door RSVP to Jennifer New: 941.552.6304 or jnew@jfedsrq.org.

Interfaith Passover Seder Thursday, March 27th, 2014 6:00 pm at Michael’s On East

The Passover Seder is a ritualized meal commemorating the Exodus. The Seder expresses the universal longing for freedom, justice and transformation in our lives through rituals, readings, song and a shared meal.

People of all faiths are all welcome to attend!

Co-chairs Shirley Baucom and Rona Simon will lead the committee in planning a meaningful celebration between our faiths on this special holiday for us all.

For more information, contact Jessi Sheslow at 941.343.2109 or jsheslow@jfedsrq.org

THESE EvENTS ARE PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: The Robert & Esther Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative The Heller IAI hopes to engage Jews and non-Jews in Israel by advocating for peace and security through education and raising awareness of and actively confronting anti-Semitism and radical Islam on a global level. visit www.SarasotaLovesIsrael.com The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee The Federation is a community resource whose mission is to save Jewish lives and enhance Jewish life locally, in Israel and around the world. www.TheJewishFederation.org

of all faiths

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Written by Zuli Rodriguez

Contributing Writers

Pastor Elbert Nasworthy

Bill Bunkley

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Have you ever experienced that moment when you see something is so spectacular it takes your breath away? Isn’t it magnificent when history books come to life? The story jumps out of a page and into all of your senses.

When you can experience first-hand all that happened in that particular place, you can be overwhelmed with emotions. Isn’t that a good thing, though? I know one of my favorite quotes by James Baldwin says, “Know from whence you came. If you know whence you came, there are absolutely no limitations to where you can go.”

I’ve embarked on a quest to search for the history behind some of the most amazing places in Israel, taking a journey through actual places that still exist today. Places that mean so much to our faith, that serve as proof that what

F a i t h Tal k 5 7 0 & 9 1 0 W T B N

is written in the Bible is not just a work of fiction but the true words of our savior. Places that serve as a stage to some of the greatest bible scenes in history.

Most of us have grown up hearing stories from the Bible; stories like David and Goliath, the story of Gideon and the 300, and the story of Jesus’ birth, ministry, resurrection and death; and so many others that are pillars of our faith, stories that shape our faith. There is something that just “clicks” whenever you see the words of a book turn into something tangible right before your eyes. When I hear from some of my friends who will be joining Bill Bunkley and others from Faith Talk 570 & 910 WTBN on a pilgrimage to Israel, I wonder if they even know what they are about to experience or if they know

about what has taken place in those historic spots they are about to visit while in Israel.

In terms of land mass, Israel is a small nation at only 263 miles long and 71 miles wide. To put it into more simple terms, Israel can fit inside the state of Florida eight times! In other words in a 9-day journey to Israel someone can experience a many Biblical sites and their learn about their history because the driving distances are so short between locales.

Having traveled to Israel on several occasions, Bill Bunkley shares his own perspective on this topic.

“It really is difficult to describe a trip that is really indescribable. When I tell others that ‘once you go and visit the Holy Land you will never be the same’, it is not an overstatement. What I had studied for years in the Bible came alive right before

my very eyes. That is the experience that awaits those who will come with us to Israel in October 2014.

There are so many “awe” moments that will happen again and again on this trip! I remember one of the first ‘awe’ moments takes place on the third day of the trip when one comes to overlook the Valley of Armageddon. From a high mound called a Tel, you will not only be looking back on the history of one of Solomon’s Army Stables nearby, but you will also ponder the prophetic significance of this place where Revelation says one of the end time’s battle will take place. It is a rare moment indeed when one experiences a place where an event will happen in the future and not in the past. The next stop to the bustling city of Nazareth where Jesus grew up is sure to give you a more profound connection to this part of the country that was one with the life of our Lord.”

This 9-day journey than many people are about to embark is packed full of amazing historical and biblical places that will impact their life forever. For example on Day 2 of the Experience Israel itinerary one will visit the Fountain of Gideon, Armegeddon, Nazareth and Galilee. There are a lot of people that do not know the story that occurred at Gideon’s fountain. They may regard it as just a fountain, but for those who have read the scriptures in Judges Chapter 7; they know that this

Peter’s Home in Capernahum

place is so much more. This is the place where God took an army of 32,000 soldiers and reduced it to 300 men. Those 300 men were to fight against an army of 135,000 men. To most that may seem like a crazy thing to do, but Gideon trusted and followed God. Judges 7:13-15 says: 13 When Gideon came, behold, a man was relating a dream to his friend. And he said, “Behold, I had a dream; a loaf of barley bread was tumbling into the camp of Midian, and it came to the tent and struck it so that it fell, and turned it upside down so that the tent lay flat.” 14 His friend replied, “This is nothing less than the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel; God has given Midian and all the camp into his hand.”

15 When Gideon heard the account of the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship.

He returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Arise, for the Lord has given the camp of Midian into your hands.”

It is impressive to see the courage and obedience of Gideon in this story. How against all odds he decided to follow Gods will and it gave him courage and strength.

Now imagine yourself standing right in the middle of where this took place. You can almost replay the events it in your mind.

On Day 3 of the Experience Israel itinerary, visitors get to take in the sites of the Sea of Galilee and visit

Samuel’s Mountain

Peter’s home where Jesus performed many miracles and continue to hear the Master’s words on the Mount of Beatitudes and Tabgha where the miracle of loaves and fishes took place.

This great biblical event that happened in Tabgha near the sea of Galilee can be found in Mark 6:3046. The story of the Jesus feeding the 5,000 is something that I have heard since I was a little girl -- a story about compassion and mercy.

An amazing story that shows how just five loaves of bread and two fishes in the hands of our Lord can be transformed into a blessing for many. Imagine standing in the place where this happened, where Jesus’ words still echo in the wind, where anything is possible.

Galilee was the epicenter of Jesus’ ministry. This is the place where he called ordinary men like Simon and Andrew, James and John, to leave the life of fishermen behind and follow him. “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” The Sea of Galilee was also the place where Jesus walked on water.

Pastor Elbert Nasworthy, Senior Pastor of Myrtle Lake Baptist Church in Land O’Lakes, Florida shared with me some insight from a recent trip to Israel.

“When standing in the amphitheater at Caesarea by the Sea, I could imagine how the Apostle Paul must have felt, with the Mediterranean Sea at his back as he

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spoke to King Agrippa of his life and his faith in Jesus Christ. Scripture came alive that day as I looked around that beautiful area and saw where the port was in Paul’s time.

I observed the natural effect of the onshore breeze that would allow a speaker to be heard throughout the amphitheater. I stood there at the spot where Paul would have stood looking up into the seats carved from the rocks. It was the sense that what Paul did that day was what we are all to do -- tell our story. I have used this memory several times over the years as I have preached about Paul and how we are to tell our story. Paul spoke that day of his life before, how he heard Jesus on the road to Damascus and what his life was like after accepting Christ as his Savior. King Agrippa said that he was almost persuaded yet Paul did what God led him to do. That day at Caesarea by the Sea reminds me that I must do what God has led me to do.”

Visits to any historical place will always conjure up some incredible respect for the history behind that place. But when those places represent so much to our faith, they mean that much more. Arguably the most significant find that gives not only historical evidence to our faith but a testament to the accuracy of the scriptures is the renowned Israel Museum which houses the Dead Seas Scrolls and other national treasures.

Bill Bunkley recounts, “In my opinion what is one of the most moving moments of any visit to Israel is at the Holocaust Memorial, Yad Vashem. Walking through this dark memorial looking upon photos and artifacts of the countless souls who were exterminated by the Nazis, will 24

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leave a lasting impression etched upon your heart.”

The day of extreme contrasts arrives on the seventh day of the journey. As visitors depart from Jerusalem and travel through ancient Jericho to arrive at the Dead Sea, Earth’s lowest spot at 1,312 feet below sea level, to enjoy the dramatic landscape and swim in the mineral rich therapeutic waters. Then travelers will ascend by cable car up 1,500 feet above the Dead Sea to Masada, Israel’s ancient freedom fortress, for a dramatic unforgettable afternoon.

You can’t help but marvel at the spectacular views, from the unique vantage points of this ancient city of refuge from the Romans. Trying to comprehend how this massive city was ever constructed on top of these cliffs is an engineering wonder.

In traveling West from Jerusalem to Nebbi Samuel on the eighth day of the Israel pilgrimage, one comes across the mountain where the tomb of the Prophet Samuel was found (Rama, I-Samuel 25:1) – for a spectacular panoramic view of the biblical heartland of Samaria & Judea. Then one continues through the Ayalon Valley, upon Emmaus and the fortress of Latrun where heroic battles of Israel’s War of Independence took place and the Elah Valley where David slew Goliath. The great battle of David and Goliath is an incredible story.

It is a story of courage, fearlessness, and obedience. One that lets us know that no matter how big our problems may seem with God by our side nothing is impossible.

We face many giants like Goliath everyday. It may be a situation at home or at work, it may be that one person who just makes your

life impossible. Know this, the Elah Valley and the events that took place on that day recorded in history are there to prove to you that no matter what situation you may be going through, no matter what giant you may be facing, with God by your side you are invincible.

This trip is not just another vacation; it will be a way to experience the Bible in a completely different way. So much so, that many remark that they are forever changed by the journey. It is our hope that many pastors will bring along their congregations to deepen their relationship with our Savior.

Come along with Faith Talk 570 & 910 WTBN on October 1716, 2014, as we embark on this amazing once-in-a-lifetime trip to Israel and experience first-hand where these incredible stories took place and where you will see for yourself how the Bible comes to life.

Groups that book at least fifteen people on a trip together qualify for one free passenger/trip. Additional incentives are available for groups and churches that book at least 25 passengers. For more details, call (813) 639-1903. To see a preview video of the Experience Israel trip, go online to SalemGoIsrael.com

Scan with Smart Phone

With Bill Bunkley

October 17-26 | 2014 Walk where Jesus walked!

Experience Israel with Genesis Tours

Spend nine inspiring days on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition

that will take you from the northern heights of Galilee to the southern Judean wilderness. Experience the wonder of the Bible coming to life and the miracle of prophecy fulfilled in the modern State of Israel.

day 1

day 2

Travel to Israel

Arrive in Tel Aviv

Depart from various U.S. cities

Enjoy 4 & 5 star hotel accommodations

day 6

day 7

Israel Museum to see Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, the Garden the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Holocaust “Yad of Gethsemane in the Kidron Valley, the Via Vashem” Memorial, the Davidson Center, Dolorosa, and the the Upper Room, and Garden Tomb King David’s tomb

day 3

day 4

day 5

Gideon’s Fountain in the Sea of Galilee, the Port City of Haifa, Jezre’el Valley, Ein Jordan River, Apostle Mount Carmel, Caesarea, Harod Springs, Tel Peter’s home, Mount of the restored Roman Meggido, and Nazareth Beatitudes, and Tabgha Theater and Aqueduct

day 8

Jericho, the Dead Sea, David’s oasis of Ein Gedi, and Masada

day 9

Tomb of the Prophet Samuel, Samaria and Judea, the Ayalon Valley, Emmaus, the fortress of Latrun, and the Elah Valley where David defeated Goliath

Get full details and/or book this trip of a lifetime today by visiting

salemgoisrael.com

day 10

Travel from Tel Aviv to the United States

Cost: $3,795 (per person)

S P IRIT U A L

By Cortni Marrazzo, Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer Forgiveness is a touchy subject for many people. For many people, even just hearing the word conjures up images of hurtful things people have done to us.

Add to that the overwhelming feeling that there are some people that simply don’t deserve to be forgiven for what they did. In reality, no one really deserves to be forgiven, yet God instructs us to forgive them anyway.

Why are we to forgive people?

Is it to bless them? Because if they hurt me, then the last thing my human nature wants to do is bless them! The crazy thing is that God commands us to forgive others because it actually blesses us. He often likes to work things in what would seem a backwards way to us, thereby asking us to do something incredibly difficult to provide an incredible blessing in our lives. And believe it or not, forgiveness has more to do with us, than the person we are to forgive.

So just how are we blessed when we forgive others? Here are a just a few ways.

Forgiving causes us to be more like Jesus

Many people see forgiveness as something that weak people do. But forgiveness doesn’t make you weak, it actually makes you stronger! Anyone can hold a grudge, but it takes strong faith to forgive someone who has wronged you. Jesus definitely wasn’t weak and in his last dying moments, He forgave the criminals being crucified with Him on the cross, as well as those who were crucifying Him (Luke 23:32-43).

Our goal as Christ followers is ultimately to be like Christ. He forgave us of our sins even though we were undeserving of it, so if we are to be like Him, we are to forgive others too.

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“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32).

“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive Forgiving brings us closer to anyone who offends you.

God Remember, the Lord forgave We have to be in close you, so you must forgive communion with God to be able to forgive someone and when we others” (Colossians 3:13).

step out and get past our pain to Forgiving allows us to have a do so, we are reminded of exactly what God did for us when He greater influence on others “You can catch more flies with sent His son to die for our sins. honey, than with vinegar” is how Forgiveness takes humility and it is in a humble state of mind

Cortni Marrazzo currently resides in Spokane, Washington with her husband Jason and 3 year old son. She has a Degree in Biblical Discipleship and has a passion for ministry and encouraging the body of Christ. She and her husband currently serve as small directors at their local church. You can contact her at Cortni.Marrazzo@gmail.com or on Facebook. Original publication date: August 29, 2013 26

the saying goes, and it really is true! The best way to get people’s attention and win them over isn’t by being a jerk, but by being kind and treating them better than they deserve to be treated, just as Jesus does to us. People just aren’t used to being treated like this in the world, especially those who don’t know the love of Christ. So instead of treating them like everyone else in the world, we will be so much more of an influence if we treat them how Jesus would treat them!

Scan this QR Code with your smart phone to see the original article

your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too” (Mark 11:25).

that we remember just how undeserving we were and are of God’s forgiveness. As a result we draw closer to Him and become more thankful for what He has done for us.

In addition, when we are holding a grudge against someone, that person and whatever pain was inflicted on us consume a large amount of our thoughts and feelings, thereby leaving less room in our brain for God and His Word. Not to mention when we fill our head and heart with hatred and anger, it’s kind of heart to fellowship with a loving, peaceful God because they just don’t go hand in hand. That’s why Jesus told us to forgive others before we pray because He knows that if we don’t, our heart really won’t be in the right place to fellowship with Him!

“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that

Forgiving takes away the power others have over us When we are holding on to something that was done to us and keep stewing over it and keep our anger over the issue, it really does have a hold over us. Just thinking of or seeing the person who hurt us will likely stir up a bunch of negative emotions again.

And as long as we refuse to forgive them, they will hold power over us, whether they know it or not! Even if that person is no longer in our life for whatever reason, they will still have control over us by their previous painful actions.

God doesn’t want anyone to have this kind of power over us because it keeps us in bondage and Christ came to set us free from bondage!

Forgiving those who have wronged us puts us and God back in the driver’s seat of our own lives instead of us being subject to the past. Instead, we will be subject to God’s amazing plan for our future!

In all honesty, forgiveness is hard. Forgiving someone who has done something extremely hurtful to us or someone we love does not come natural and it is in no way easy. And honestly, we can’t do it on our own. We have to rely on God’s strength to do it! And anytime we allow God’s strength to work in our lives, wonderful things happen! When the power that raised Christ from the dead is working in you there is no limit to how God can use you and bless you!

“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you” (Romans 8:11).

Looking at just some of the benefits of offer forgiveness, it shouldn’t be a surprise as to why God instructs us to forgive others. He really does have our best interest at hand when asking us to do things that are difficult. So if you “Christ has set us free are holding unforgiveness to live a free life. So take towards anybody, I encourage your stand! Never again you to remind yourself of the let anyone put a harness benefits of letting that issue go and giving it up to God of slavery on you” and ask Him for His help and (Galatians 5:1 MSG). strength to do so. It may be one of the hardest things you Forgiving allows us to will do in your life, but it may experience God’s strength in also likely be one of the most our lives rewarding! ■

4 $$$ Financial Issues

to Consider When

Searching for a Spouse

By Megan Pacheco, Finicity Publication date: September 16, 2013

F i nan c e

There is a myth going around that love alone is enough.

Megan Pacheco is one of the new additions to the Finicity (provider of Mvelopes and Money4Life Coaching) team.

She comes with over 13 years of experience in the Biblical Finances area. Her content has been published by Money Matters, Do Well and Lifeway’s More than Living. She is a mom of two young boys, and lives with her husband David in the Atlanta area.

Scan this QR Code with your smart phone to see the original article

This myth makes you believe that as long as the two of you are “in love,” you can conquer pretty much anything. This myth also makes you ignore certain, very destructive habits and behaviors that have been wrecking what seemed to be some of the strongest marriages.

So, this is for those of you who are single, but hope to find that special “someone” soon. If you pay close attention to these four financial issues and behaviors you will greatly increase your chances for the “happily ever after” ending.

A few years ago the University of Virginia released some very interesting findings in their “Marriage and Money” report: •They confirmed that rising consumer debt after couple’s wedding contributed to the instability of the union.

•Couples who reported disagreeing about finances more than once a week were 30 percent more likely to

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divorce, than couples who reported disagreeing about finances only a few times a month.

Another statistic from the USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll stated that spending too much and saving too little is the most common issue that causes strife among married couples.

So why is this important to all of you who are on the hunt for Mr. or Mrs. Right? Because money issues are some of the highest contributing factors in marriage breakups, and you still have time to do something about it! Let’s get started.

Debt

Today’s college students graduate with an average of $26,600 in student loan debt. Combine that with other credit card debt, auto loan debt and a bleak job market and you have a disaster ready to happen.

Understanding each other’s debt ratios is extremely important before you say, “I do.” Don’t wait to have this important conversation after

will help you understand and work though the financial issues that will sooner or later surface. Is he or she shopping a lot? Do they follow a spending plan? Are they paying their bills on time, every time? How often do they say “no” under social pressure to spend money? If you pay close attention you’ll quickly find out what natural tendencies your special someone has – which will ultimately be the same tendency they will bring into your marriage. the fact. If you’re dating someone and consider him or her a potential spouse, you need to begin the culture of financial transparency now. Understanding the numbers behind each other’s debt can help you put boundaries in place now so you can start eliminating your debt and begin your marriage on a healthier, less leveraged financial footing.

Is credit his/her best friend?

Watching how your potential future spouse treats credit cards is extremely important. Impulsive spending, living for today and hoping to pay for the lifestyle tomorrow should be a warning sign of things to come. Do you know how many credit cards your future spouse has? Do you know the balance they owe? Are you ready to take on that credit card debt as part of your marriage deal? Talking about the use of credit is very important before you tie the knot. Simple guidelines like paying the balance off every month or having a clear strategy to pay the debt off and having full transparency when it comes to using credit should be discussed sooner than later.

Spender, Saver or Hoarder? Do you know each other’s money personalities?

We all have a “financial personality” and knowing each other’s money personality

Saving for the future

Ignoring the importance of saving and being financially prepared for a “rainy day” can cause enormous financial pressure in marriage. Pay close attention to the ability to live within an income by spending less and saving the rest. Do you know that, on average, American’s spend 5.7% of their annual income on restaurants and only 2.63% of their income goes to savings? Talk with your potential future spouse about their saving habits. Are they thinking and planning ahead? Are they pursuing financial short and long-term goals or simply living from paycheck-to-paycheck hoping that the future will take care of itself?

You see, the issue is not how much your potential spouse has or does not have.

The real issue is, do they understand the basic financial laws and principles that govern our lives? Such principles include: •Spending less than we make and investing the rest •Having sufficient financial reserves •Saying no to immediate gratification •Understanding the dangers of easily accessible credit

Since money issues are some of the highest contributing factors in marriage breakups, cherish the fact that you still have time to do something about it! Here is to your “Happily Ever After!”■ F all 2 0 1 3

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Ca r e e r

Seeing God in Your Work

By Hugh Whelchel

The difference between barbarism and culture is, simply, work.

—Lester DeKoster 32

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If you’re like me, you’ve often heard the saying that “work is a curse” as result of the fall in the Garden of Eden. That statement couldn’t be further from the truth.

Our Original Purpose In the beginning, prior to sin, God assigned Adam and Eve important work. In Genesis 2 we read about man’s first day of work: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it” (Gen. 2:15).

We were created to be stewards of God’s creation through our work. The opening two chapters of Genesis provide a foundation for how God sees work, culture, and our responsibility. This same perspective extends throughout the Scriptures.

Work is not a curse, but a gift from God given to us before the fall, although the effects of the fall make our work frustrating and difficult at times (Gen. 3:17–19). By our work, we employ useful skills to glorify God, love our neighbors, and further God’s kingdom.

The Original Worker We can better understand our work assignment from God by studying the work that he did in creation, when he brought order out of chaos. A gardener

does something similar when he creatively uses the materials at his disposal and rearranges them to produce additional resources for mankind.

We were created to be stewards of God’s creation through our work.

Thus, Adam’s work in the garden can be seen as a metaphor for all work. Tim Keller offers the following definition of work: “Rearranging the raw materials of a particular domain to draw out its potential for the flourishing of everyone.”

For example, an architect takes steel, wood, concrete, and glass and rearranges them for the flourishing of mankind. A musician rearranges the raw material of sound to produce music. That is what Adam was called to do in the garden, and that is what we are still called to do in our work today.

God’s Call to Work In the opening chapter of Genesis, God gave Adam a job description. It is called the “cultural mandate,” also sometimes called the “creation mandate:” “God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of Scan this QR Code with your smart phone to see the original article

the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth’ (Gen. 1:28).

By our work, we employ useful skills to glorify God, love our neighbors, and further God’s kingdom.

Why is it called “the cultural mandate?”

According to Merriam-Webster, a “mandate” is an “authoritative command; especially: a formal order from a superior court or official to an inferior one,” or “an authorization to act given to a representative.” This is clearly a command given directly by God the Creator to Adam and Eve, his creation.

In her book Total Truth, Nancy Pearcey explains why it has been called the “cultural” mandate: The first phrase, “be fruitful and multiply,” means to develop the social world: build families, churches, schools, cities, governments, laws. The second phrase, “subdue the earth,” means to harness the natural world: plant crops, build bridges, design computers, and compose music.

This passage is sometimes called the Cultural Mandate because it tells us that our original purpose was to create cultures, build civilizations—nothing less.

Building Civilization

The cultural mandate was meant not only for Adam and Eve, but for us as well. To find satisfaction and meaning in our vocational callings, we must begin to understand the importance of the cultural mandate. It is the only way to see our work in a truly biblical framework.

The cultural mandate still stands as God’s directive for our stewardship of his creation.

According to Dorothy Sayers, when we understand our work through the cultural mandate, we will finally see our work as “the full expression of the worker’s faculties, the thing in which he finds spiritual, mental, and bodily satisfaction, and the medium in which he offers himself to God.” Because of the curse of the fall, work can be difficult, frustrating, and dull. But Christians must understand that work itself is not part of the curse; it was part of God’s original plan for humanity. It is an opportunity for us to exercise our creativity, gifts, and interests in order to be effective stewards of God’s creation. With a proper understanding of the cultural mandate, Christians can use their work as part of their broader calling as servants of Christ.

What about you? How does understanding work as a calling from God change how you approach your studies, your job, and your time? ■

Hugh Whelchel is the executive director of the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics and author of How Then Should We Work?: Rediscovering the Biblical Doctrine of Work. Hugh has a master of arts in religion and brings over 30 years of diverse business experience to his leadership at IFWE. [Editor’s Note: Hugh’s article was originally posted at Resurgence.]

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